At Firedoor in Surry Hills, Sydney, it is the absolute use of fire coupled with seasonal produce at its best that goes to create what will be a rather unique dining experience. The kitchen is fueled only by wood, and each course is cooked à la carte over embers specifically chosen to highlight the taste of the raw ingredients. A fully open-plan kitchen enables diners to see the whole cooking process, blending simplicity and craftsmanship in a rather unusual way. The restaurant balances fine dining with casual comfort impeccably well, focusing only on the finest produce, grilled to perfection.
Lennox Hastie is the founder and head chef of Firedoor. He is very well-known for his deep fascination with fire. His culinary journey began in Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK, France, and Spain, where he developed a deep regard for ingredients. This eventually took him to Etxebarri in Spain, where for five years he perfected the art of wood-fired grilling under the great Victor Arguinzoniz. It was transformative. He fell back in love with cooking in its simplest form. Returning to Australia in 2011, a few years later, Lennox joined forces with the restaurant group Fink to launch Firedoor in 2015 and then Gildas, a Basque-inspired wine bar, in 2022.
The menu is dynamic at Firedoor, and really, it depends on whatever is available that day. This restaurant partners with farmers to grow vegetables tailor-made for them, ages its meats—in style—lamb, pork, chicken, beef—and even keeps live shellfish and fish so that everything is as fresh as can be. The high regard for quality, therefore, makes sure that only the finest ingredients make it onto the menu, letting them celebrate those varieties of produce that are rare and exceptional. In addition, Firedoor can provide unique dining experiences for events—flexibility to create a fire-powered menu that truly puts drama and theater within the open kitchen.
Firedoor is unlike anything for any kind of event; the open kitchen, brimming with charismatic energy, takes center stage. The private hire venue is available for up to 45 guests seated or 80 standing; this really is a bespoke dining experience focused on the finest ingredients, cooked over fire. From an intimate dinner to a larger group of guests, visitors can work with Lennox Hastie and his team to create a personalized menu that showcases its signature wood-fired cooking. From that alone—unique ambiance—to fine culinary expertise, Firedoor can never go wrong as a venue for any kind of occasion.
